Leo Varadkar is the new Taoiseach after being elected by 57 votes to 50, with 47 members of the Dail abstaining from the vote.

Mr Varadkar received a minute-long standing ovation as he stood to acknowledge his election.

He had been nominated by Enda Kenny and the new Taoiseach paid tribute to his predecessor, acknowledging his role in rebuilding the country, and noting that he made it possible for him to be Taoiseach.

He said: "He gave me the opportunity to serve on the front bench and then as a minister and an opportunity to demonstrate my ability and potential.

"And without opportunity there is no hope and there can be progress.

"His leadership also enabled me become an equal citizen in my own country only two short years ago and to aspire to hold this office... an aspiration which I once thought was beyond my reach... at least if I wanted to be myself.

"I would like the outgoing Taoiseach to know that those of us who take on the torch of leadership today will protect all that he has achieved and make him proud of us by building on all he has done for the country."